The months with R
Quite the same as in English, these are all the months in Norwegian:
Januar
Februar
Mars
April
Mai
Juni
July
August
September
Oktober
November
Desember
There are only four months that do not have the letter "R" in them, namely the summer months of May, June, July and August. This has become a rule of thumb about what to do at what time of year. It is primarily about the fact that we have long, dark winters, which means that it is important to take care of both mental and physical health.
In Norway it is said that it is important to do the following in the months with R.
Drink cod liver oil
Cod liver oil is oil made from cod. Contains omega 3 and vitamin D. Most children hate the taste of cod liver oil, which often has something to do with the fact that they were forced to drink a tablespoon a day throughout their upbringing.
Take vitamin D supplements
This advice follows on from the advice above, and is important to follow if you don't have the urge to start the day by drinking fish oil. The lack of vitamin D is mainly due to sunlight. If you have more melanin in your skin, you will need more vitamin D.
Wearing pantyhose
This applies especially to children. The youngest children start wearing tights or long johns as early as September, and until March. This rule of thumb not necessarily exsact, and perhaps is more important the further north you go. The general rule is rather to dress the children according to the appropriate temperature.
Eat fish
In northern Norway, there is also the myth that fish tastes best in the months with R. This applies especially to cod. It is a little unclear why, but perhaps it is a practical advice to eat the fish in the month that we humans have an extra need for vitamin D and Omega 3. Maybe it is worth checking it out, and see if you taste the difference?
As far as I know, there is only one piece of advice you should follow in the months without R:
Use sunscreen
.. and to enjoy the weather while you can.
Hope you have learn something new about the Norwegian year.
Best,
Hannah, OLS Community Manager – Norwegian